My very own gear list

[TOMP]

Hey TOMP I've been curious as to those home-made gaiters as well. Any chance we could see a pic of the finished product? Also, is it pretty easy to pick up tyvek at Lowe's or some place similar? Elastic from... fabric store? Thanks!

Rowan

I bought my fabric and elastic cord on amazon. You can get cord at any outfitter store (falls under pack repair) and fabric stores probably have it too. I bought the kite quality tyvek because it is lighter than the construction grade and seems strong enough for my purposes. If you dont have a sewing machine I wouldnt try to make your own. I used fairly strong nylon thread and seam sealed (dont really have to). I used acrylic ink to dye the tyvek. Walked through alot of mud and nettles and it holds up. Only takes about 20 min to make the pair.
Ok in the first photo the top is on the left. I have elastic cord and cord lock to help tighten the top of the gaiter to my shin. I have loops at the bottom with an elastic cord with cord lock that goes under the boot. Its about as stylish as any gaiter and washes by hand pretty easily. 0.8 oz each.
DSCN0028.jpgDSCN0029.jpg

[Rayo]

nice gaiters TOMP. I'm getting to the end of my gear purchases and ready to start this thing. Hopefully I can get down there the same time as you otherwise I'll be hustling to catch up. haha later man

[TOMP]

nice gaiters TOMP. I'm getting to the end of my gear purchases and ready to start this thing. Hopefully I can get down there the same time as you otherwise I'll be hustling to catch up. haha later man

Thanks I appreciate it, it wont be hard to spot me with these on.

[Feral Bill]

Ok, I refined the list a bit and put it on geargrams. Its a 22 lb pack load without food and water and I expect it to be around 30lbs with that in it (4-5 days worth of food). I know I can save a 1 lb by going with a smaller pack, but I see my pack as a cadillac and I think the comfort is going to be nice on the long hike, and eliminate my boots but I have everything I want at a weight I can handle. I think this is going to be about where I stand and Im ready to go. Getting excited. I also decided to get a thermarest haven 20 top bag (22 ounces) just couldnt pass up the weight and size reduction. Any last comments, hints, or suggestions? Thanks for your help.

http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=5712

Expect to eat about 2 pounds of food daily 8-10 pounds altogether, plus 2-4 pounds of water.

[bflorac]

What every you have for a journal and pen at 11.5oz, ditch it. Find something lighter. Consider only enough pages till the next drop box. Should be more like 2-3oz.

Consider a smaller camelbak bladder and add a cheap used Gatorade bottle. 1) This gives you to places to hold water, drink from one, while purify the other. 2) Filling a bladder from a small trickle of water can be tough and the bottle can be used to scoop it up. 3) Often it is hard to tell when bladder is near empty. By splitting it, when bladder is empty, you got a reserve. 4) Sometimes it is nice to add a little mix of something to your water (propel, tea...) and you don't want 3 liters of it.

Break the guide/maps up into smaller parts and put in drop boxes along the way.

This is more of a personal thing but I like to have a balaclava (head hoodie) when it get cold. I have one that pulls into a hat or can be pulled down for around the neck. If you opt for a thin one, you can wear your wool hat over it.

Of course, I also like my therm-a-rest neoair sleeping pad and compressible pillow but they would add weight and for most, would be considered part of the "don't need" column.

If you are considering using the carabiner as your tool to hang your bear bag, be sure to get a "real" rated biner, Not some cheap toy or key chain think you got at Walmart. A good one will last the entire trip and will not break when side loaded.

[TOMP]

Thanks FB and bflorac for your comments, seems like some good ideas.

Now that my pack is down to 20lbs I think 30 lbs with food and water is a reasonable estimate.

Journal- Yeah its heavy but its kinda a preference/luxury issue for me. I want the journal as a keepsake and I want it to be together and intact at the end. I have seen alot of posts saying to bring loose paper and mail in more as needed and mail out the used sheets but that seems like a hassle. I want to keep my journal in one piece and my mail drops low to non-existant. I have been toying with the idea of gettting something smaller/lighter but I just write way to much for that to work for me.

Bladder/water bottle- very good point and is something a new hiker may overlook and find out on the trail. But for me I have never been inconvienced by waiting the 30 minutes for the chemicals to do thier thing. Its a pretty wet trail so I think ill be able to keep hydrated. Its just a preference thing and I am just used to using the bladder. I thought about bringing 2 camelbaks in case one breaks but then I figured Ill just buy one ASAP if that happens and use a gatorade bottle till it can be replaced.

Guide- I feel the same way about this as I do the journal except its not a keepsake, just doesnt warrant a maildrop for a 9 oz total item to be broken down. what if I get to town on sunday, what if i dont want to go to that town afterall, what if it gets lost. Just seems like a hassle.

Bacalava- I agree I own a few, I heard its overkill to wear both a hat and bacalava but I might slip one in at the last minute and send it home if its too warm.

My carabiner is titanium and has held up using the pct method so far.

Again thanks for the tips.

Also I just bought a new pair of La Sportiva FC ECO 4.0 GTX hiking boots for 87.50 total cost. I havent received them yet but they should be around 1.5-2.0 lbs so its a big break from the Scarpa Triolet Mountaineering Boots (4.2 lbs) that I have been using for a few years. I am still gonna bring the inov-8 talon 212 with these a another option/camp shoes. I like to rotate shoes because it helps me reduce any foot discomfort over time. It gives the feet a break from the same position everyday.

[Hooch]

I'll bet you're going to make a new "friend" only a few miles up the trail. His name is Winton.

Couldn't agree more.

[takethisbread]

You need a sleeping bag, a tarp or tent, a pad, a pack, and a waterbottle/food. You got a whole lotta stuff here. It's all not necessary. You are leaving mid march. It's going to be mostly warm, you will be hot all day shorts and t shirt from the start. Start with all this junk, but be prepared to send most of it home. Or you are a beast and can carry all this without much stress! If so I'm envious.

Starting my thru-hike in mid-March this year and here is my first draft gear list. I've read a ton of other peoples gear lists so I have been able to add and subtract a lot of gear based on that. I'm interested in any comments you have about my specific gear choices. In general im not looking to save an ounce if it means spending 100 dollars but all advice is welcome. Thanks!

All weights are in ounces.

Sleep

-0 degree SwissGear synthetic bag-spring 81.3
I know heavy but I want to be warm and I dont want a 300 dollar down. Ill suck it up.
-40 degrees SwissGear synthetic bag-summer 46.6
-Sea to summit thermolite bag liner- 2.8
-Homemade bivy-7.3 (shelter use only)
-thermarest Solite foam pad- 8.6
-Emergency blanket- 1.7 (just in case)
-MSR skinny one solo tent- 74.0
-Black Diamond Tarp tent- 19.0 (used as ground cloth or extra rain/wind protection)
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil dry sack 35L- 2.4

Subtotal- 197.1 (used heavier bag in total)

Eat

-Austrian windproof lighter- 1.3
-Primus Litech Kettle- 6.5
-Plastic GSI cup from pinnacle soloist- 1.5
-Sea to summit 13L evovac dry sack(food sack)- 2.4
-Soto Micro-regulator Stove- 2.5
-leatherman- 8.4
-Miox purification system and Aquamira chemicals- 7.2
-Ti spork- 0.6
-Camelbak 3L- 7.8
-MSR microfilter with 2.0L bladder- 11.3
-Stove fuel- 8.1
-50' spectra rope- 0.6

Subtotal- 58.2

Hike

-Scarpa boots size 11 (heavy but keep me dry)- 70
-Rainpants/long johns(spring)- 19.9
-waterproof gloves- 6.5
-Merino wool shirt- 7.0
-Underarmor esq shirt X2- 6.0 (12)
-Homemade gaiters- 2.5
-Ball cap- 2.7
-bear bell- 1.4
-head lamp- 2.8
-Rain shell- 16.0
-Longdistance running shorts- 3.0
-Running tights- 6.3
-towel-3.0
-heavy weight long Johns (spring)- 8.8
-underarmor hoody- 18.3
-Wool socks 3X- 2.5 (7.5)
-5200 ALPS cascade backpack- 86 (heavy but I dont like cramming things in my 30L packs, also weight includes rain cover)
-BlackDiamond Carbon Cork trekking poles- 17.8
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Clothes Bag 20L-2.4
-Compactor bags X2- 1.0 (1 for pack liner and one for hiking skirt)

Subtotal- 294.9

Luxuries

-biodegradable soap concetrated- 1.9
-Garmin GPSMAP GSX- 5.5
-4 extra batteries- 1.5
-Nikon coolPics camera- 4.9
-Pepper Spray- 1.5 (just in case)
-cell phone- 4.4
-cell phone charger 1.5
-mini playing cards- 1.3
-Journal and pen- 11.7

subtotal- 34.2

Total- 584.4 (36.5lbs) Skin out weight without food/water (add 5 lbs= 41.5lbs)


Chopping Block

-bear bell- 1.5
-Rainpants/long johns(spring)- 19.9
these are actuall lightweight snow pants that I hike use to hike in the winter. I dont think it will be cold enough for them
-MSR microfilter with 2.0L bladder- 11.3
dont know if ill need a filter or just chemicals. Ill down grade to a 2L camelbak at 7.0 ounces.
-Plastic GSI cup from pinnacle soloist- 1.5
-Black Diamond Tarp tent- 19.0 (used as ground cloth or extra rain/wind protection)

subtotal- 46.2

New total- 538.2 (33.6 lbs)

Pack weight is probably around (400 ounces or 25 lbs) (30lbs with food and this is good cause this is my goal)

[TOMP]

You need a sleeping bag, a tarp or tent, a pad, a pack, and a waterbottle/food. You got a whole lotta stuff here. It's all not necessary. You are leaving mid march. It's going to be mostly warm, you will be hot all day shorts and t shirt from the start. Start with all this junk, but be prepared to send most of it home. Or you are a beast and can carry all this without much stress! If so I'm envious.

Yeah, this is the original and outdated list. My new list is the gear grams one. Take a look at that and let me know what you think is junk that would be more helpful, thanks. Weight wise I can carry it at this point, comfortably.

http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=5712

[takethisbread]

Yeah, this is the original and outdated list. My new list is the gear grams one. Take a look at that and let me know what you think is junk that would be more helpful, thanks. Weight wise I can carry it at this point, comfortably.

http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=5712

Its better but a Balaclava, Boots or shoes, Gloves, nail clippers and long johns should go. its March 15 not February 15, sure you might get hit with a cold night or two for sure, but with a warm bag you be ok. if weather gets bad you are going to be close to town up until the smokeys.

[TOMP]

Its better but a Balaclava, Boots or shoes, Gloves, nail clippers and long johns should go. its March 15 not February 15, sure you might get hit with a cold night or two for sure, but with a warm bag you be ok. if weather gets bad you are going to be close to town up until the smokeys.

Thanks, but I disagree, you might be ok with a warm bag but Ill take my winter gear. Personal warmth is really unique to the person. I heard about 5 people say bring cold weather gear for every one that says skip it. At some point they will be sent home.

No nail clipper? What will I use to cut my nails?

Boots or shoes, yeah I know im the only person that will do this, but I like to switch up my foot gear, helps reduce hot spots and foot pain. Yet there are countless people bringing crocs or other camp shoes that are only about 5 oz less than my trail runners and they cant hike for any real distance in them.

[takethisbread]

To each his own, but nail clippers are a luxury. Personal warmth is an issue, but you will be hot all day, especially carrying all the extra crap you think u need. Why not just hike all day comfortably, with little discomfort, roll into camp at 5 or 6 make a quick bite, and climb inside a warm bag? People with all that crap, tend to start looking for camp at 3pm and spend their day bitching about how heavy their pack is.

Thanks, but I disagree, you might be ok with a warm bag but Ill take my winter gear. Personal warmth is really unique to the person. I heard about 5 people say bring cold weather gear for every one that says skip it. At some point they will be sent home.

No nail clipper? What will I use to cut my nails?

Boots or shoes, yeah I know im the only person that will do this, but I like to switch up my foot gear, helps reduce hot spots and foot pain. Yet there are countless people bringing crocs or other camp shoes that are only about 5 oz less than my trail runners and they cant hike for any real distance in them.

[TOMP]

Yeah I dont usually roll into camp until a half hour before sunset, with my 30 lbs of pack weight unless its a weekend or 3 day hike. I seriously want to know how I am supposed to cut my nails? Im on a thru hike they will need maintenance. Im not using a pocket knife or bitting them that is for sure.
Yes it is to each his own and I prefer a comfortable, meaning warm, sleep and I will not lighten my load at the expense of it. If I dont sleep because I am shivering it wont much matter how light my pack is. I think I need this stuff because when I go camping in similar conditions I am cold without it. In other words I think because I know. When there is a chance of hiking through snow, I think its reckless not to bring the appropriate attire. If you are always warm even in snow or temps in the teens then dont bring it, but I will.
Ugh, plenty of people did long distance hikes before the UL craze and plenty will afterwards.

[Rayo]

Ugh, plenty of people did long distance hikes before the UL craze and plenty will afterwards.

This thread is turning into TOMP's defense of HYOH. Who's ready for a thumb war?! Anyone?! Anyone?!

[TOMP]

This thread is turning into TOMP's defense of HYOH. Who's ready for a thumb war?! Anyone?! Anyone?!

Yeah thats the trouble with gear lists, they get ripped up unless they just list the same items as the outfitter winston at neels gap. It was helpful at first, but now is mainly just jabs. It is helpful when they specify an item they wouldnt bring and why or how you could do without, it isnt helpful when they call your gear junk or crap. My back my pack HYOH.

[Meriadoc]

My back my pack HYOH.

This. List looks good. It's comparable to mine, so I hope it is.
Good luck TOMP! I'll be a month behind ye.

[cabbagehead]

I recommend a small bag of biodegradable water balloons to throw at people on hot days. They won't weigh much, and will provide valuable entertainment.

[TOMP]

I recommend a small bag of biodegradable water balloons to throw at people on hot days. They won't weigh much, and will provide valuable entertainment.

Not LNT enough for me, they will probably degrade in GA by the time I reach Maryland. Thats assuming wildlife doesnt eat it before then.

[James GAME2009]

So, I made a tent decision and it turns out MSR skinny one is only 53 ounces. Also I forgot to list a few things.

Sleep
-0 degree SwissGear synthetic bag-spring 81.3
I know heavy but I want to be warm and I dont want a 300 dollar down. Ill suck it up and trade for the bag below in late april, early may.
-40 degrees SwissGear synthetic bag-summer 46.6
-Sea to summit thermolite bag liner- 2.8 Not necessary with the 0 degree bag.
-Homemade bivy-7.3 (works as a waterprotection layer for my sleeping bag in lieu of a groundcloth) Not necessary.
-thermarest Solite foam pad- 8.6
-Emergency blanket- 1.7 (just in case) Not necessary.
-MSR skinny one solo tent- 52.8
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil dry sack 35L- 2.4
Subtotal- 156.9 (used heavier bag in total)
Eat
-Austrian windproof lighter- 1.3
-Primus Litech Kettle (this is my pot)- 6.5
-Plastic GSI cup from pinnacle soloist- 1.5 Not necessary.
-Sea to summit 13L evovac dry sack(food sack)- 2.4
-Soto Micro-regulator Stove- 2.5
-leatherman (i use extra stuff and dont use the knife so I dont want to substitute it for a knife alone)- 8.4 Definitely get rid of this. Heavy and mostly useless. Take a small knife if you need that has just a blade.
-Aquamira chemicals- 2.2
-Ti spork- 0.6
-Camelbak 2L and 3L- 14.8
-Stove fuel- 8.1
-50' spectra rope- 0.6 Get this down to 25 feet.
Subtotal- 48.9
Hike
-Scarpa boots size 11 (no seriously they stay dry. Only time they were wet was when I submerged them 2 feet in a stream. Took about 23 hours to dry)- 70 Boots are not a good idea. Get a nice pair of trail runners. These boots will slow you down dramatically and tire you out by having to lift their weight every step of the way.
-waterproof gloves- 6.5 Not necessary.
-Merino wool shirt- 7.0
-Underarmor esq shirt- 6.0
-Homemade gaiters- 2.5 Not necessary.
-Ball cap- 2.7
-head lamp- 2.8
-Rain shell- 16.0
-Longdistance running shorts- 3.0
-Running tights- 6.3 Not necessary.
-towel-3.0 Not necessary.
-heavy weight long Johns- 8.8
-smartwool bacaclava? 1.2 Not necessary.
-wool winter hat- 2.5
-underarmor hoody (much lighter then a regular hoody)- 18.3
-Wool socks 3X- 2.5 (7.5)
-5200 ALPS cascade backpack- 86 (heavy but I dont like cramming things in my 30L pack, also weight includes rain cover)
-BlackDiamond Carbon Cork trekking poles- 16.0
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Clothes Bag 20L-2.4
-Compactor bags X2- 1.0 (1 for pack liner and one for hiking skirt) Not necessary. You already have dry sacks for most everything.
Subtotal-269.5
Luxuries
-first aid/duct tape wallet/bathroom stuff- 5.5
-biodegradable soap concetrated- 1.9
-Garmin GPSMAP GSX (has AT maps and trail guide info and saves 3 ounces of weight and GPS is waterproof)- 5.5 Not necessary.
-2 extra batteries- 0.75 Not necessary.
-Nikon coolPics camera- 4.9
-Pepper Spray- 1.5 (just in case) Not necessary.
-cell phone- 4.4
-cell phone charger 1.5
-mini playing cards- 1.3 Not necessary.
-Journal and pen- 11.7
-safety pins X3- 0.01 Not necessary.
-carabiner- 0.1
subtotal- 39.06
Total-514.36 (32.1lbs) Skin out weight without food/water (add 5 lbs=37.1 lbs)

Chopping Block
-GPS trade for 2011 NOBO AT guide-8.1 (use less batteries and GPS is more for my entertainment but I can do the math on the mph I guess).
-Plastic GSI cup from pinnacle soloist- 1.5
-wool hat or bacalava-1.2-2.5
might not need both
-mini playing cards 1.3 (but its only an ounce)
-half of my towel- 1.5
-gloves- 6.5 (use my extra socks but not waterproof)
subtotal- 21.4
New total- 492.96 (30.81 lbs)+5=35.81
Pack weight is probably around (350-400 ounces or 22-25 lbs+5 lbs= 27-30lbs)

I would also recommend ditching the hoody in favor of a small packable down jacket. You will increase warmth and save on weight and room.

[TOMP]

I am currently in VA about 1
Third done. Winter stuff is at home and my boots fell apart so I'm now rocking the inov8 trail runners. My trail name is BYGE and I am still feeling good. See you on the trail.